Source(s)

Description:
The graphic compares the amount of diversity of marine mammals, sharks, molluscs, birds, shrimp and lobsters in various sea regions. Coral reefs are among the most productive and diverse of all natural ecosystems. Recent decades have been catastrophic for them, however; some 10% of the world’s reefs may already have been degraded beyond recovery, and another 30% are in decline. Meanwhile biologically rich coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests and salt marshes, are favourite sites for dredging and filling by industry, farmers and home builders. Sea turtles and marine mammals such as seals, manatees and small whales are at particular risk.

Antarctic Specially Protected AreasThe 1961 Antarctic treaty system, which governs the land and water south of 60 degrees latitude south, gives the environment an overall protection against human development. In addition, certain areas are specifically de...

By Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Coastal Arctic food web (drift ice)The coastal Arctic food web is closely related to drift ice conditions and seasonal use of shorelines by both terrestrial and sea mammals. Numerous species depend upon each other and the transport of food to and from the...

By UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Contribution of fish to human dietThe percentage of fish to the total human diet from various regions in the world. Based on statistics from 1987 to 1989. Fish is the last wild meal in the human diet, but roughly two-thirds of the world’s major stocks ar...

By Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Deforestation in Rondonia (Brazil) in the ninetiesThe graph shows deforestation in Rondonia, Brazil. Brazil covers more than one quarter of the worlds tropical forests. Since 1980 the deforestation has steadily increased. Deforestration can occur as a result of the clea...

By Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Deforestation in the Amazon regionThe amount of deforestation in the Amazon region is increasing at an alarming rate. This graphic compares the amount of deforested areas in the Amazon region to region in Norway in order to show how much is being destroy...

By Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Emissions of CO2 per capita 1990 (selected countries)The graph shows emissions of CO2 per capita 1990. CO2 can be emitted as byproduct from the use of fossil fuel, by combustion, land-use conversion and cement production. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are increasing, a...

By UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Gross product per person 1950-1994The graphic shows the evolution of gross world product per person from 1950 to 1994 in U.S Dollars. It clearly shows the steady and periodically dramatical growth of the gross world product per person since 1950.

By Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Tourism in the Antarcticthe graph shows the number of tourist and ships going to the Antarctic from 1981 to 1996. It shows a steady increase of both tourists and ships going to antarctica. Studies have been done to estimate the effects the incr...